Posts Tagged General Assembly 2020
Expungement Among Some Criminal Justice Reforms Left Behind by General Assembly
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 3, 2020
Democrats campaigned on the issue of criminal justice reform last year. But advocates say when they took power in the House and Senate, a lot of reform still got left behind. Michael Pope reports.
Some State Lawmakers Want to Make it Easier for Long-Term Care Facilities to Share Case Information
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 1, 2020
How many cases of Coronavirus are in your neighborhood? Localized data on the pandemic has been difficult to come by. Michael Pope reports.
Voting in a Pandemic: The Debate Over Next Month’s Local Elections
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 27, 2020
Credit: NPR
Next month, voters across Virginia will be heading to the polls to vote in local elections. That’s despite efforts to move those elections to June or November. Michael Pope reports.
Barring Executive Action, Local Elections in Virginia Will Go Forward in May
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 23, 2020
Credit: NPR
Dozens of elections across Virginia are scheduled to take place a few days from now. As Michael Pope reports, efforts to move those elections have failed.
State Lawmakers to Tackle Definition of “Environmental Justice” Wednesday
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 21, 2020
Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
When lawmakers assemble in Richmond Wednesday, they’ll be considering an amendment from the governor to define environmental justice. Michael Pope reports.
Some State Democrats Want May Elections to Take Place in June Instead of November
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Spotlight on WVTF Public Radio 2012, Virginia's News on April 20, 2020
Credit: NPR
Lawmakers are about to return to Richmond for a General Assembly with social distancing. One issue that could become a flashpoint is what happens to local elections. Michael Pope reports.
Northam Wants to Speed Up Timeline for Predatory Lending Protections
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 17, 2020
Credit: Taber Andrew Bain / Creative Commons
Lawmakers are about to consider a significant change to legislation aimed at cracking down on predatory lending. As Michael Pope reports, an amendment from the governor will speed up the timeline.
Advocates Say They Want More Protections for Immigrants With Driver Privilege Cards
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 16, 2020
Credit: NPR
Next week, lawmakers will be considering an amendment to a bill allowing driver’s privilege cards for undocumented immigrants. Michael Pope has the story.
A Look at What to Expect from the General Assembly Next Week
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 15, 2020
Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Lawmakers will return to Richmond next week for what’s called a reconvene session, although this one will be done in the age of social distancing. Michael Pope has this preview.
Northam Signs Several Gun-Control Measures Into Law
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 10, 2020
New gun-safety laws will be radically changing Virginia’s approach starting July 1st. Michael Pope reports.
COVID-19 Pandemic Shedding New Light on Collective Bargaining Debate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 6, 2020
Governor Ralph Northam is now considering a huge number of bills on his desk, even as he navigates the state’s response to coronavirus. Michael Pope has this report about one issue that’s being hotly debated now.
Virginia Minimum Wage: Should it Extend to Farm Workers?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 6, 2020
Credit: Jeff Laitila / Flickr CC
Governor Ralph Northam is now considering hundreds of bills the General Assembly sent him last month, including one that raises the minimum wage. Michael Pope reports that the governor is being urged to get rid of an exemption for one category of worker.
Should Northam Reconsider Renewable Energy Legislation in Light of Pandemic?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 1, 2020
Governor Ralph Northam is now considering hundreds of bills that were passed by lawmakers before the health and economic crisis. Michael Pope reports on one bill that some are asking the governor to rethink.
COVID-19 Could Stir New Debate Over Virginia’s Minimum Wage
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 30, 2020
Governor Ralph Northam isn’t just dealing with the pandemic. He’s also considering hundreds of bills lawmakers sent to him last month. And, the economic crisis is shining a new light on one potentially critical decision. Michael Pope reports.
Some Legislators Call for Virginia General Assembly to Reconvene Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 16, 2020
Virginia is in a state of emergency as health officials try to meet the challenge of coronavirus. Does that mean that lawmakers need to return to Richmond? Michael Pope reports.
Despite Economic Concerns Related to COVID-19, Lawmakers Pass Budget
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 12, 2020
Lawmakers in Richmond gaveled out Thursday on what’s been a historic legislative session. It was the first time Democrats were in charge of the process since the early 1990’s. The final item on their to do list was to pass the state’s two year budget. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
What Criminal Justice Reforms Passed Out of the General Assembly This Year?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 10, 2020
Democrats arrived in Richmond for the General Assembly session this year with a long list of agenda items for criminal justice reform. But, many of the more sweeping changes were scuttled. Michael Pope reports.
State Lawmakers Passed on a Paid Sick Days Proposal This Year
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 9, 2020
The Senate rejected an effort to require businesses to offer five paid sick days. Michael Pope reports.
Bipartisan Effort to End Financial Exploitation of Seniors Headed to Northam’s Desk
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 26, 2020
Republicans and Democrats are often at each other’s throats at the Capitol. But there is one issue where they are finding agreement: fighting exploitation of seniors. Michael Pope has details.
State Senate to Weigh In on Milk Definition
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 26, 2020
Credit: Mike Mozart / Flickr
A bill to prevent companies from marketing soy milk and almond milk as “milk” is headed to the Senate floor. Michael Pope reports.
To Tackle ‘Critical Need’ Lawmakers Fund More Clerks
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 26, 2020
Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ
State lawmakers are addressing a shortage of clerks in Virginia’s district courts – after some officials said staffing levels were at a crisis point. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Lawmakers Pave the Way for More Needle Exchanges
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 25, 2020
The needle exchange in Wise is run out of the local health department. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ)
Thanks to legislation that’s now on it’s way to the Governor’s desk any Virginia locality will be able to start a needle exchange. The bill also makes it easier to get those new sites up and running. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Reigning in Pipeline Developers is Proving Difficult in Richmond
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 25, 2020
Democratic Delegate Chris Hurst of the New River Valley (Credit: Virginia General Assembly)
Lawmakers are considering a bill that would double fines for water-quality violations of companies that build natural gas pipelines. Michael Pope reports other measures to increase oversight have been set aside, though.
Should Local Government Employees Get Collective Bargaining Rights?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 25, 2020
Employees of local governments may be on the verge of engaging in collective bargaining. Michael Pope explains.
The Debate Over Paid Sick Days Continues in Richmond
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 24, 2020
With less than two weeks left in the General Assembly session, lawmakers are still hashing out an agreement on paid sick days. Michael Pope has details.
Red Flag Law Likely On Its Way to the Governor’s Desk
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 24, 2020
Delegate Rip Sullivan of Arlington explains his red-flag law to the Senate Judiciary Committee as gun rights enthusiasts wearing orange stickers pack the committee room.
Lawmakers are moving forward on a bill that will let authorities confiscate guns from people who pose a threat to themselves or others. Michael Pope reports.
Marijuana Decriminalization May Soon Be a Reality in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 21, 2020
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Virginia is on the verge of decriminalizing marijuana, and bills to make that happen have already passed the House and Senate. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia May Soon Add Shield Law Protections for Journalists
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 21, 2020
Delegate Danica Roem (Credit: Ted Eytan / Creative Commons)
Journalists in Virginia may soon be getting new protections against disclosing confidential sources. Michael Pope reports.
The General Assembly Sets its Sights on Behavioral Bills
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 20, 2020
Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Making laws isn’t always about balancing the budget and drawing political boundaries. Sometimes, it’s also about some of the most human of human behaviors. Michael Pope explains.
Bipartisan Push to Provide More Oversight of Utility Bills
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 20, 2020
A bipartisan push to take back authority over Virginia’s utilities – including Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power – is making its way through the legislature. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.
Gun Transfers Have Become a Sticking Point for Universal Background Checks
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 19, 2020
A sweeping package of new restrictions on guns has been moving through the General Assembly. But, Democrats are divided about how universal background checks should be. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Religious Leaders Speak Out Against Regional Minimum Wage Approach
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 19, 2020
Religious leaders from across Virginia gather for a prayer vigil outside the Capitol. They’re calling for a $15 minimum wage across Virginia instead of the regional approach favored by the Senate. (Credit: Michael Pope)
Faith leaders from across Virginia are pressing Senate Democrats to abandon their regional approach to raising the minimum wage. Michael Pope reports.
Should Virginia Establish a “Preclearance” Standard?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 18, 2020
Virginia has a long history of using election rules to disenfranchise black voters, and lawmakers in Richmond are considering a check to make sure that doesn’t happen again. Michael Pope has details.
A Look at the Faith-Based Arguments at the General Assembly
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 18, 2020
Credit: Steven Coutts / Flickr
Lawmakers in Richmond hear lots of arguments about money and statistics. But they also hear arguments based in faith. Michael Pope reports.
VA House Weighs Possible Release for Sick and Disabled Prisoners
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 18, 2020
Andre Daniels graduated from high school in Norfolk but found himself jobless and homeless at 21. (Credit: Johnay Hardy)
In most states prisoners with a terminal illness can be freed early, but Virginia only considers inmates with less than three months to live. Now, the legislature may change that, making several thousand prisoners eligible for compassionate release. Sandy Hausman reports.
There’s Bipartisan Support for Criminal Justice Reform in Richmond This Year
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 17, 2020
Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Criminal justice reform is one of the leading issues this year in the Virginia General Assembly, and it’s an issue that has advocates on both sides of the aisle. Michael Pope reports.
State Democrats Want Increased Protections for Undocumented Immigrants
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 17, 2020
Undocumented immigrants in Virginia may be on the verge of getting new protections. Michael Pope reports.
Some Senate Democrats Block Assault Weapons Ban
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 17, 2020
A controversial proposal to ban assault style weapons looks like it will not pass the legislature this year. The bill was a key part of Governor Ralph Northam’s gun control agenda. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Pope, Church & State: A weekly look at the General Assembly’s 2020 Session
Posted by dseidelvtedu in Virginia's News on February 14, 2020
A weekly conversation about what’s happened at the General Assembly with Michael Pope and Luke Church.
Week Nine:
The General Assembly session is scheduled to wrap up Saturday and lawmakers are about to head home after a 60 day session.
Week Eight:
The end of the General Assembly session is approaching, but there’s still plenty of work to be done.
Week Seven:
Democratic state senators have been derailing a few of their own party’s agenda items.
Week Six:
A flurry of activity before the crossover deadline.
Week Five:
Legislators are closing in on the halfway point of the General Assembly session.
Week Four:
The Equal Rights Amendment, abortion restrictions and guns were among the headlines from the state capitol this week.
Week Three:
Virginia’s General Assembly session often seems like a weeks-long sprint. And some believe this year’s action is moving even faster.
Week Two:
Much of the drama at the General Assembly this week has been about what might go on outside the capitol building.
Week One:
Lawmakers are wrapping up the first few history-making days at the General Assembly.
Democrats Want to Raise the Minimum Wage, But Are Split Over the Details
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 12, 2020
Democrats are united in their desire to raise the minimum wage. But, they’re divided on how to make it happen. Michael Pope reports.
State Republicans: Democratic Agenda is Too Expensive
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 12, 2020
Democrats are plowing through a massive agenda, everything from raising the minimum wage to addressing climate change. But, Republicans are worried about the cost of all that. Michael Pope reports.
At the Halfway Point, What Has the New Democratic Majority Focused on in Richmond?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 11, 2020
Lawmakers are zooming through the busiest day of the General Assembly session, the final deadline for moving bills from one chamber to the other.
Michael Pope reports.
Among the legislation advancing before Tuesday’s crossover deadline: Authorizing local governments to move or remove Confederate monuments and war memorials.
Another bill advancing out of the House of Delegates would change the way Virginia’s Electoral College votes are allocated.
With Key Vote Looming on Predatory Lending Restrictions, Some Are Worried About New Loopholes
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 10, 2020
Lawmakers in Richmond are trying to crack down on high-interest loans. But, advocates against predatory lending are concerned about new loopholes that might be created in the process. Michael Pope has details.
An Effort to Repeal Virginia’s “Right to Work” Law Has Been Shelved
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 10, 2020
The effort to repeal Virginia’s right to work law has failed, at least for now. Michael Pope reports.
When Should Polls Close on Election Day?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 7, 2020
Democrats are taking up a number of initiatives to make voting easier, and one of those may be extending polling hours. Michael Pope reports.
One State Lawmaker Wants to Establish an Office of New Americans
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 5, 2020
Lawmakers are considering an effort aimed at helping immigrants who move to Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
Should Virginia Consider a Regional Minimum Wage?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 5, 2020
Lawmakers in Richmond are moving forward with increasing the minimum wage. But, some are pressing for regional variation. Michael Pope reports.
House of Delegates Poised for Key Vote on Non-Discrimination Policies
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 4, 2020
Lawmakers are about to vote Wednesday on a bill that would create new protections for sexual orientation and gender identity. Michael Pope reports.
The Push for SLAPP Lawsuit Protections in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 4, 2020
Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Lawmakers are considering bills aimed at preventing frivolous lawsuits designed to silence political opponents. Michael Pope reports.
Legislative Panel Backs Local Control Over Monuments
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 3, 2020
A group of Charlottesville residents advocate for local control of war memorials, including Confederate monuments, during a Virginia Senate committee meeting. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ)
Localities in Virginia are one step closer to having control over Confederate monuments in their region. A bill ceding that power passed out of a key committee for the first time time Monday. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.
Subscribe to our RSS Feed
From NPR News- Israeli police shoot and kill a man at Jerusalem's holiest site April 1, 2023The slain man was 26-year-old Mohammed Alasibi from Hura, a Bedouin Arab village in southern Israel. The shooting raises fears of further violence during heightened tensions at the holy site.
- Alec Baldwin codefendant gets 6 months' probation on gun charge in 'Rust' case April 1, 2023Safety coordinator and assistant director David Halls also must pay a $500 fine, complete a gun-safety course and community service after agreeing to the conviction related to a death on a movie set.
- State line pot shops latest flashpoint in Idaho-Oregon border debate April 1, 2023There is a marijuana boom in Ontario, Oregon, just across the river from the Boise metro area where pot is illegal. It's the latest flashpoint for conservatives who want to annex eastern Oregon.
- A must-see sunset spectacle at Monument Valley April 1, 2023A sunset spectacle featuring two mitten-shaped rock formations played out this week at Monument Valley on the Navajo Nation along the Arizona and Utah border.
- Death toll rises to 21 after tornadoes sweep across the South and the Midwest April 1, 2023The powerful storm system spread destruction in several states. In Illinois, one person died and 28 were hurt after a theater roof caved in during a concert.
- Israeli police shoot and kill a man at Jerusalem's holiest site April 1, 2023
- From BBC News
- Dover ferry queues: Extra overnight English Channel crossings laid on to clear backlog April 1, 2023The additional services will run overnight, with the port saying the queues should be cleared by midday.
- Three British men are being held by Taliban in Afghanistan April 1, 2023Two of the men were arrested on 11 January, a humanitarian organisation has confirmed.
- Two Iranian women arrested for not covering hair after man attacks them with yoghurt April 1, 2023The women seem to have been attacked for not wearing the hijab properly in public, which is illegal.
- Russia assumes UN Security Council presidency despite Ukrainian anger April 1, 2023Ukraine's foreign minister said Russia leading the UN Security Council is "the worst joke ever".
- US tornadoes: Death toll grows as extreme storms ravage several states April 1, 2023At least 21 people have been killed after a series of tornadoes tore through several US states.
- Dover ferry queues: Extra overnight English Channel crossings laid on to clear backlog April 1, 2023
Virginia Public Radio 